The Pride of the Peacock

Rating:
Summary: The Pride of my Library!
Review: Jessica only realizes how little she knows her "family" when she starts a relationship with the forbidden elderly gentleman that reportedly "stole" her family's estate. They become friends, and he puts her in his will. There is one condition: she must marry his son, Joss. She and Joss agree, but they decide to keep it "in name only". Her now father-in-law dies, and Jessica and Joss travel to their joint estate and opal mine in Australia. Here, Jessica becomes fonder of Joss and wonders if the "in name only" part of their marriage will last. There is only one problem: someone is trying to kill Jessica! Will they succeed?

Not only is this book entertaining to read, but it is also educational. I learned a lot about opals, and I am planning on adding some to my jewelry collection!

Rating:
Summary: Too much pride?
Review: The first time I read this book was years ago. I recently re-read it and this time around I was not as impressed with it as the first time. It seems to me that there was very little or no love between the hero and heroine. Even when they revealed their love for each other it did not seem to be "real." The hero had a "huge ego." He was actually quite cruel to his wife. By gifting his ex-lover? with a beautiful opal he really hurt his wife. His explanation that it was because of his pride, did not seem to me to be a valid reason. That part was skimmed over and the heroine just accepted what he did. She needed to have more of a backbone to deal with an egotistical male.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This is a great book. It's fascinating, and I couldn't put it down. The story takes place in late 19th century England and Australia. The twist at the end is surprising and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style. This is a book meant to be read on one of those nasty gray wet days with a cup of hot tea. It keeps you guessing right up to the end, and is definitely a classic.